I’ve always defended Delaware as a foodie state. From Delmarva-specific delicacies to Delaware Bay seafood and everything in between – our tiny state has some amazing restaurants hidden in both the large and small towns. Luckily, Visit Delaware has taken note of the huge “foodie” scene in the First State and has created an incredible Delaware Culinary Trail. Twenty four iconic Delaware locations made the list for their significance and great food. In order to start your adventure, you need to download your Delaware Culinary Trail Passport. Once you have your passport, you’ll need to collect 15 codes from the listed restaurants – that means visiting 5 restaurants in each region. Once you’ve visited your selected restaurants, submit your passport to the Delaware Tourism Office and they’ll send you the First State Plates Cookbook, featuring Iconic Delaware Restaurants and Recipes. The cookbook will teach you local restaurant tricks like how to prepare a Walter’s Steakhouse Bone-In Rib-Eye, make your very own Crab Cake using the recipe from Abbott’s Grill, or create the famous Cioppino soup from Big Fish Grill!

With 24 restaurants to choose from, it was hard to narrow it down to our list of 15, but we gave it a shot. Here are our Culinary Trail picks.

NorthernThe Charcoal Pit, Wilmington

Facebook / Charcoal Pit It’s easy to see why the Charcoal Pit made the list - this is one of the most iconic Delaware burger joints in the entire state.

Deer Park Tavern, Newark

Yelp / Glenn F. Deer Park has been on Newark’s Main Street for as long as anyone can remember. Stop in for Brunch one day and you won’t be disappointed.

The Dog House, New Castle

Yelp / Phil G The Dog House in New Castle is another longstanding Delaware Icon. Over 50 years serving hot dogs and burgers - and you know they’re amazing.

Walter’s Steakhouse, Wilmington

Google Local Walter’s Steakhouse is a Wilmington legend. Their bone in ribeye is famous throughout the region for being flavorful and tender.

The Green Room at Hotel DuPont, Wilmington

Facebook / The Green Room The Green Room is one of the most elegant restaurants in Delaware. If you’re doing the Delaware culinary trail, you shouldn’t miss this historic gourmet restaurant, even though it’s definitely a splurge.

Central Sambo’s Tavern, Leispic

Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern / Sean O’Rourke Photography Sambo’s in Leipsic is our pick for Delaware Culinary Tour participants over 21. This is the best place to get fresh seafood in Delaware. You’ve GOT to try one of their crabcakes.

Grotto’s Pizza, Milford

Yelp / Jeff M Of course at least ONE Grotto’s has to be on this list! Remember, this is a culinary trail featuring iconic Delaware locations. And if “Grotto’s” doesn’t just scream “Delaware,” then I don’t know what else does.

Cool Springs Fish Bar, Dover

Yelp / DeWayne G Cool Spring Fish Bar might have the best seafood in Dover. This was one of our “Central” selections because of the atmosphere, too. A night out at Cool Springs is always a good time.

Abbott’s Grill, Milford

Yelp / Lizelle A Normally, I write about Abbott’s Grill in Laurel, because I love the waterfront views of Broad Creek. But the original Milford location is the one on the culinary trail. The food here is always amazing - truly, Abbott’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Delaware.

Smyrna Diner, Smyrna

Facebook / Smyrna Diner I couldn’t help but use this old picture of the Smyrna Diner to remind everyone just why it is a stop on the Delaware Culinary Trail.

SouthernGeorgia House, Milford

Visit Delaware Visit the original Georgia House for incredible food and a wonderful atmosphere. We chose Georgia House because of its location, too - you can walk around downtown Milford and explore the town a bit before dinner.

The Cultured Pearl, Rehoboth Beach

Yelp / Ralph M. Rooftop dining and delicious sushi - okay, this one had to make our list.

Striper Bites, Lewes

Facebook / Striper Bites Striper Bites in Lewes is one of the best restaurants on the coast. The casual atmosphere is very beachy, and the seafood dishes are fresh and creative. They do make some great mixed drinks, too - this place is perfect for happy hour.

Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth

Yelp / Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth What can I say about Big Fish Grill that hasn’t been said before? Not much. They’re so well known because they’re that good. The seafood bisques and soups are out of this world.

DiFebo’s, Bethany Beach

Facebook / DiFebo’s Bethany Beach DiFebo’s is a favorite of nearly everyone around Bethany Beach, and for good reason. Fresh pasta dishes and flavorful italian entrees mean DiFebo’s is a winner again and again.

You can find a full listing of the participating restaurants and more details on the program from the Visit Delaware Discovery Trails website. If you like the idea of a Delaware culinary exploration, check out our 2-Day Delaware Foodie Road Trip.

Facebook / Charcoal Pit

It’s easy to see why the Charcoal Pit made the list - this is one of the most iconic Delaware burger joints in the entire state.

Yelp / Glenn F.

Deer Park has been on Newark’s Main Street for as long as anyone can remember. Stop in for Brunch one day and you won’t be disappointed.

Yelp / Phil G

The Dog House in New Castle is another longstanding Delaware Icon. Over 50 years serving hot dogs and burgers - and you know they’re amazing.

Google Local

Walter’s Steakhouse is a Wilmington legend. Their bone in ribeye is famous throughout the region for being flavorful and tender.

Facebook / The Green Room

The Green Room is one of the most elegant restaurants in Delaware. If you’re doing the Delaware culinary trail, you shouldn’t miss this historic gourmet restaurant, even though it’s definitely a splurge.

Facebook / Sambo’s Tavern / Sean O’Rourke Photography

Sambo’s in Leipsic is our pick for Delaware Culinary Tour participants over 21. This is the best place to get fresh seafood in Delaware. You’ve GOT to try one of their crabcakes.

Yelp / Jeff M

Of course at least ONE Grotto’s has to be on this list! Remember, this is a culinary trail featuring iconic Delaware locations. And if “Grotto’s” doesn’t just scream “Delaware,” then I don’t know what else does.

Yelp / DeWayne G

Cool Spring Fish Bar might have the best seafood in Dover. This was one of our “Central” selections because of the atmosphere, too. A night out at Cool Springs is always a good time.

Yelp / Lizelle A

Normally, I write about Abbott’s Grill in Laurel, because I love the waterfront views of Broad Creek. But the original Milford location is the one on the culinary trail. The food here is always amazing - truly, Abbott’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Delaware.

Facebook / Smyrna Diner

I couldn’t help but use this old picture of the Smyrna Diner to remind everyone just why it is a stop on the Delaware Culinary Trail.

Visit Delaware

Visit the original Georgia House for incredible food and a wonderful atmosphere. We chose Georgia House because of its location, too - you can walk around downtown Milford and explore the town a bit before dinner.

Yelp / Ralph M.

Rooftop dining and delicious sushi - okay, this one had to make our list.

Facebook / Striper Bites

Striper Bites in Lewes is one of the best restaurants on the coast. The casual atmosphere is very beachy, and the seafood dishes are fresh and creative. They do make some great mixed drinks, too - this place is perfect for happy hour.

Yelp / Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth

What can I say about Big Fish Grill that hasn’t been said before? Not much. They’re so well known because they’re that good. The seafood bisques and soups are out of this world.

Facebook / DiFebo’s Bethany Beach

DiFebo’s is a favorite of nearly everyone around Bethany Beach, and for good reason. Fresh pasta dishes and flavorful italian entrees mean DiFebo’s is a winner again and again.

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